Saturday, February 19, 2011

Valentine Overtime...

It is hard not to feel LOVE after Mason opens his mail. Although the mail is slowing down; it's amazing how much the World has shared with us. And it is hard to explain or put in words how meaningful the cards are. If only I could share each and everyone that has touched us. As I've said before there is a rainbow above our house. It's hard not to smile when you are being hugged.

Thank you Gonzalez United Methodist Church in Florida for the daily prayers.

Thank you Oologah, Oklahoma 8th graders for remembering Mason after 2 weeks off of school. 30 inches is a lot of Snow!! Like one of the Valentines read, "Hope your Valentine's Day goes in Overtime" Your thoughtfulness means so much.

Just look at the cool collection of magnets sent by George and Carol in Raytown, MO .

Thanks for the beautiful handmade Valentines (received on Valentine's Day)

Thank you Girl Scouts Troop 5414 in Ft. Leavenworth, KS

Thank you Coconut Creek Elementary in Coconut Creek, FL

Love from the South of France, China, and Dena and Brian from Czech Republic who shared pictures of different places they have traveled.

Below: our first postcard from Greenland

The world continues to reach out and share a part of their day with Mason; letting them know they care. Mason is listening. We are all listening. Thanks for allowing us to escape to different corners of the world. Places we have never been; and may never get to. In our hearts we are there with you. The out pouring of compassion will never leave my heart.

Even after a horrible day, we know there is someone out there. Yesterday was a day where the walls were closing in and the camel's back could take no more. But I am still holding my head up high, rough waters still lie ahead. I wish I could forget trivial things tonight. (Trivial: small or little importance) I can only laugh, when I go to the store for lemonade and come home with everything but lemonade.The night ended with Ally sick as ever and Mason crying from a headache. Pain slapped me in the face. It's hard to sleep when your mind is in over drive; so here I am letting it out. Thanks for caring, sharing and listening to my blaring. Sometimes it's those simple words, "Our hopes and prayers are with you"

6 comments:

I hope you can feel the love...especially on those tough days and nights. You and your family have a piece of all our hearts. We just wish there was something we could do to ease your pain. Thank you for continuing to share your thoughts and feelings with us.

I love you SO much Andria...not just because you are my cousin but because of the wonderful woman that you are. You inspire me to be a better mom!

You put my troubles in perspective everyday. YOU help me.....I wish there was more that I could do to help you. Just know that we are out here hoping and praying everyday for good days and miracles. Know that you are an amazing family that the world has embraced and loves.

Hi Andria,Sorry to hear about your rough day: Ally's continued stomach bug and Mason's headaches. Sure wish I, as all your friends do, could just make all that yucky stuff vanish, as quickly as it all came. I hope the weekend brings relief to everyone, and some sleep to you. Thanks for sharing your ups and downs with so many.

2011-2012 Seasons of Wishes

Seasons of Wishes

Sept 2011- Jan 2012 Thank you family and friends from Wiscurzoos, Christmas lights to the Wishing Well, and Red Robin and Heartland Children's Ministry!! Together we raised an incredible $5262.59 for Make-a-Wish®, Seasons of Wishes. All in memory of Mason. Thank you!!!! This was our second wish granted. Our first wish was from November 2010- Jan 2011. Mason and Maverick, with family and friends raised enough money to sponsor a child through the Make-a-Wish® Foundation of Kansas City.

Sending prayers and green balloons

I wear Gray for Mason

Favorite picture

First time off the high dive

Oreo

Mason's cat rescued from a local animal shelter

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Make a Difference for Mason"Free the Tiger in YOU"

Guided by inspiration to keep Mason's dreams alive.We share his desire to find a cure and spread awareness for Childhood Cancer. Together we can make a difference by Bringing out the "Tiger" in others; uniting with courage and strength, while adding love and laughter to each day.

Mark your calendar Dec. 5, 2012 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Red Robin Make-a-Wish night (Overland Park and Independence stores)

Thank you for participating in the Head for the Cure!

We are already looking forward to the 2013 August 25 Head for the Cure 5K at Corporate Woods

Blogs We Follow

Happy Birthday Mason! Thanks for dining with us on June 21, 2012

Thank you everyone!! You helped Red Robin raise $850 for the Head for the Cure in August

About Mason Arik

To continue Mason's dream and his memory, we dedicate this blog to him. He has been diagnosed with Diffuse Pontine Glioma (Brain Tumor) (04/22/10). He courageously battled his cancer for 11 1/2 months. On March 29th, 2011, it was snowing in Heaven. He is and will be missed forever. We will continue to write and share the strength and courage that Mason has taught us as well as the many other lives he has touched, near and far. Links are listed below to provide additional information regarding DIPG.

About Mason

Favorites: Star Wars,Bakugan, Bionicles, Collecting Rocks, Key Chains and Tigers. When he grows up: "I have a lot of time to decide what I want to do" Fav. color GREEN

Discovery of Tumor-Dx April 22, 2010

Beginning in March of 2010, Mason complained of severe headaches, mostly at night. Then the headaches went from 2-3 times a month (over a 2 month period) to every night and more severe, by the 3rd night I contacted his pediatrician. I was told to give him Excedrin Migraine.

But by the next day we were walking to school and he had double vision- Thanks to the school nurse, we scheduled an appointment that day with Sabates eye care. After his eye was dilated they noticed his eyes were shifting. An immediate MRI was scheduled.

After the most agonizing MRI, we went home awaiting the results. That's when we were told it was a tumor (pontine glioma) We waited to visit the doctor before researching the internet. So imagine the shock to hear this is the worst locations to find a tumor, inside the brain stem. (inoperable and unfortunately very serious)

Leaning Tower of Pizza

6/15/10

Mason's favorite flower, Tiger Lily

My #1 Fan

But it all turns out right you see. And I go back to being.....ME.(saying on Ronald McDonald house wall)

HOPE

H-Holding on for a cure
O-Our strength from others
P-Praying
E-Each day making a difference!

May laughter fill your day!

Laughter the best medicine

St. Jude Memphis Running Team!

Congratulations to the ladies for finishing the race and raising over $2000 for St. Jude!!

I wanna be a Scientist

Mason loves science and tigers!

8/16/10

Why do I have to do this?Please tell me I am dreaming!

7/2/10

There are 4 things I really hate right now: my feet, throat, stomach and medicine!

Baptized on Mother's Day 2002

Life is a Canvas....

Let the colors come to life everyday! 6/5/10 What are you going to paint today?

Bubble

5/15/10 "I feel like I'm in a giant bubble, wish I could wake up and have everything normal again!"

Rock on

Mason loved his David Cook picture. He enjoys David Cook, and Black Eyed Peas

A Tribute to Mason

Making a Difference for Mason

THANKS for attending Chili's night!!

“What is life? It is the flash of a firefly in the night. It is the breath of a buffalo in the wintertime. It is the little shadow which runs across the grass and loses itself in the sunset.” -Crowfoot

Go Chiefs!

Cards bring a smile

Thanks BRR card senders for making Mason smile every day! You ROCK!!

Welcome Rex 7/31/10

Mason's dream come true,Rex was rescued from Olathe Animal Shelter, hairless due to neglect, after begging who could say no, we got a winner , house trained and full of love and added smiles

A Day at the Park 2009

5/17/10 "Mom, what would you be doing if you were home right now?"

I flew like a butterfly, when I was at home. Feel trapped here. -Mason 5/10/10.